Another historic occasion will take place this weekend and it will be on Roosevelt Island. The final ride of the Roosevelt Island Tram will take place Monday morning at 2 AM. Come celebrate this historic event of the Tram's retirement with the folks at the Riverwalk Bar & Grill as we take the last ride on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Should be lots of fun.

This is how they celebrated the last Tram ride at Jackson Hole Wyoming. An example for us?

Take a look at this great CNN You Tube video profiling Roosevelt Island Night Tram Operator Michael Fitton (Hope I got his last name correct). He'll probably be one the operators on the last Tram ride.

Also, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued the following press release on the Tram Modernization:

(Roosevelt Island, NY, February 25, 2010) – The Roosevelt Island Tram will close on Monday March 1, 2010, for a complete overhaul. This unique public works project is scheduled to be completed by September 3, 2010. New Yorkers are encouraged to enjoy the last opportunity to soar 250 ft. above the East River and take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway, before service is suspended for six months. Power to the old Tram will be officially switched off at 10 AM, Monday March1, at the Roosevelt Island Station. Sunday, February 28th will be the last day to ride the old Tram. Tram riders can enjoy the 4.5 minute, 16 miles per hour, 3,100 ft. ride from 6 AM Sunday, February 28th through 2 AM Monday, March 1, 2010, when the last Tram ride leaves the Manhattan Tram station. Service on the new Tram is scheduled to be restored by September3, 2010.

Specifically, the Tram Modernization Project will:

• Increase reliability.• Extend service for 30 more years.• Permit each tramway cabin to operate independently in the event of: maintenance, malfunction, and adjust for ridership variances during peak and non-peak times.• Avoid high level emergency rescue operations as the rescue system will be integrated into the Tram’s basic operations. In the event of a malfunction of any component or power failure, the cabin cars can be brought back to the nearest station using redundant power and motive systems,• Reduce downtime for maintenance and repairs. One lane can be shut down for repairs while the other lane can provide uninterrupted service.• Reduce maintenance and operating costs.• Improve the quality of travel, providing a smoother ride under high winds due to the new wide track rope gauge.• Bring even higher levels of energy efficiency through the use of State-of-the-Art technology.

Roosevelt Island’s Aerial Tramway system, serves more than 2 million riders a year. The Tram began service in May 1976 serving New Yorkers well beyond the 17 years it was expected to operate. Built as the first urban mass commuter tramway service in the world,the Tram was expected to serve only as a “stop gap” until long delayed subway service was provided to the new residential community being developed on Roosevelt Island. Stephen Shane, RIOC President and Chief Executive Officer said that “Called futuristic when installed in 1976, the Tram modernization project will make this the foremost aerial Tramway system for the 21st Century. Once the overhaul is completed New Yorkers can count on fast and energy efficient service and the most beautiful commute in the City for at least the next 30 years.”

This major, one-of-a-kind, public works project is budgeted for up to $25 million, funded by a $10 million RIOC appropriation and a $15 million State appropriation. During the six-month project, alternative transit from and to Roosevelt Island will be provided by the MTA Subway F line, the Q102 bus and special RIOC red bus shuttle service. Check www.rioc.ny.gov/ for transportation alternatives and project updates.

Since it began operations in 1976, the Roosevelt Island Tram has attracted much acclaim and interest. Passengers marvel at the breath-taking views of the Manhattan skyline -- in particular the United Nations, Chrysler, and Empire State buildings -- and the boats traveling the East River below. It has been featured in numerous movies, including Nighthawks, City Slickers and Spiderman, among others.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project, please visit www.rioc.ny.gov/ or contact Rosina Abramson, RIOC V.P. for Planning and Government Affairs at 347 398 2238.

About The Roosevelt Island Operating CorporationThe Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation of the State of New York (RIOC) is a public benefit corporation and a political subdivision of the State of New York. Since 1984, RIOC has been responsible for realization of the 1968 Roosevelt Island General Development Plan (GDP). New York State implementation of the GDP arises from a 99 year lease from New York City to New York State for the development and operation of the 147 acres comprising the former Welfare Island, located in New York City’s East River. For more information, please visit www.rioc.ny.gov/.

It has been suggested that RIOC consider operating the Tram for free on Sunday, it's last day of operation - similar to what occurs on Fourth of July when fireworks are viewed from Southpoint Park.

Any chance of that happening?

Mr. Shane replied:

We considered it, but all it does is promotes the MTA to which most transfer freely after swiping on RI or coming back, without the revenue realization to RIOC. If there were no swipe, no free transfer.

Next six months of the Tram Modernization Project should be very interesting. Stay tuned.

I like your suggestion to Mr Shaine about free trams rides on Sunday. It would probably have attracted some Manhattanites(who might come back in future)and nostalgic islanders. The majority of Sunday riders are not necessarily commuting to work

You guys make it sound like we'll never have a tram ever. As I recall correctly we survived without tram for 4 months or so a few years ago. It's not going to be any different. We all will survive the downtime.

Not sure where those numbers are coming from but the only difference between now and 2006 is two additional buildings (which are not even close to full at this time). The Octagon as well as one of the newer Riverwalk buildings was already open then. There were more than 9000 residents on RI in 2006.

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Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.

The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.